"This week, the House and Senate have launched hearings into two scandals - the neglect of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the firing of several U.S. Attorneys by the Bush Administration - that profoundly demonstrate just how important it is that Democrats have restored broad and vigorous oversight.

"For years, the Republican controlled Congress was complicit and complacent in discharging its oversight responsibilities. And as a result, the Administration's missteps and miscalculations went unchallenged for far too long. When concerns arise, they need to be dealt with quickly and decisively in order to ensure that problems are remedied and challenges are overcome.

"Like all human endeavors, American government is not immune to errors in judgment and corruption of power. But as long as our elected officials exhibit the courage it takes to hold our government accountable through effective, timely and spirited oversight, then Congress will always be able to right the inevitable wrongs and limit the damage done when mistakes are made. This is the process the founders envisioned, and it is a responsibility the newly-elected Democratic Majority in Congress will strive to fulfill."